NASCAR Cup Series driver Zane Smith has spoken out against what he describes as widespread overreaction regarding safety and logistical concerns ahead of the racing debut in Mexico City. As the event at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez approaches, Smith, a competitor for Front Row Motorsports, has positioned himself firmly against the prevailing anxiety circulating within the NASCAR industry, emphasizing the need for a rational approach while addressing the ongoing uproar about racing in Mexico.
Smith Pushes Back Against Widespread Fears
With the NASCAR Cup Series set to race for the first time at Mexico City’s Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, discussions have intensified around issues such as food safety, health, altitude, and overall travel arrangements. Many teams and personnel are voicing apprehension about potential risks involved with the trip. However, Smith has openly dismissed much of this speculation as inflated, drawing attention to his personal experiences in Mexico and questioning the need for panic.
During a conversation with Claire B. Lang, Smith addressed the topic directly, voicing frustration at the current narrative and distinguishing himself from others in the garage who are concerned about traveling to and racing in another country.
“My honest answer is there’s a lot of overreaction from a majority of the industry, and it’s frustrating to hear and deal with. I’ve spent a good amount of time down in Mexico. I vacation in a different spot with a group of friends in Cabo, [Mexico,] … there’s a lot of people that are overreacting.”
—Zane Smith, Front Row Motorsports Cup Series Driver
Pointing to Recent Examples and Offering Perspective
Smith singled out similarities between the hesitation towards racing in Mexico and the prior unease ahead of the Chicago Street Race in 2023. He reminded listeners that past anxieties were often unfounded, referencing how opinions changed after positive racing experiences in new locations. Smith drew a parallel by noting the eventual acceptance and enjoyment that came after the Chicago event, hinting that the skepticism about Mexico City might turn out to be equally misplaced.
“It reminds me somewhat of Chicago, too,”
—Zane Smith, Front Row Motorsports Cup Series Driver
He elaborated further, addressing the differences between safe and less-safe areas and the importance of preparation regarding food and water, given his knowledge from multiple visits to the country. Smith used his personal insight to underscore that challenges exist everywhere, not just in Mexico, and highlighted the measures he and others could take to minimize problems.
“You just have to know what to expect, a little bit, in Mexico City and in Mexico in general, there are good and bad areas, as there is everywhere. I mean, you definitely do have to watch what you eat and drink. From my standpoint, I know what I’ll be eating and drinking because I’ve been on the good and bad side of that.”
—Zane Smith, Front Row Motorsports Cup Series Driver
Emphasizing Preparation and Common Sense
Although acknowledging some unique factors associated with racing in Mexico City, such as higher elevation, Smith quickly downplayed their potential impact. He pointed to the general physical readiness of Cup Series drivers and suggested that the altitude was not likely to drastically affect performance. With a measured perspective, he offered practical advice for those preparing for the event, underscoring the significance of situational awareness and thoughtful decision-making.
“But yeah, just common sense, be smart. And I feel like the saying ‘Better safe than sorry’ is definitely true this weekend.”
—Zane Smith, Front Row Motorsports Cup Series Driver
What the Mexico City Race Could Mean for NASCAR
As NASCAR’s Cup Series readies for its debut in Mexico City, the views of influential figures like Zane Smith highlight a divide within the motorsports community. While concerns over health, safety, and logistics remain a point of contention among some teams and personnel, Smith’s public comments serve to ground the debate with personal perspective and a call for level-headedness. The outcome of this high-profile event at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez could shape how future international NASCAR races are viewed, both by those directly involved and by fans worldwide. The industry now waits to see whether Smith’s outlook on common sense and preparedness triumphs over hesitation when the green flag drops in the Mexican capital.
